Trichomes are a unique feature of cannabis leaves, branches, and flowers. These marvelously shaped structures are called cannabinoids.
Cannabis has six main cannabinoids: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), Nabilone, Spicamax, Pemelo-Kesar, and Kilomex. Each of these cannabinoids has a different effect when it enters your bloodstream.
The way these cannabinoids interact in your body is called their “trichinization.” When they enter your system, they “trichate” or “scratching” against their receptors on your cells. This interaction creates new cells with the same or similar contents as the receptors, which is how you receive new effects.
The evolution of trichomes
While most plants produce plain, flat trichomes that stick to the plant surface, cannabis plants can produce intricate and stacked trichomes.
Trichomes have a purpose beyond decoration and disclosure. Trichomes help determine where a plant gets its nutrients. By having identifiable and stacked trichomes on the plant, it determines which areas of its structure receive more water and nutrients.
By identifying certain parts of the plant as needing more water or nourishment, cannabis professionals can decide which part of the plant to take care of. Some patients even use this as a way to determine which parts of the plant are invasive or harmful.
Whether you are looking into using medical cannabis for yourself or treating your family with commercial cannabis, know what type of Cannabis has what type of trichome.
Why are trichomes important?
While this may seem trivial, it is important to understand how cannabis trichomes look and how they function. Trichomes are a natural feature of many plants, including cannabis.
Trichomes were originally created to protect the plant’s oil inside. When a plant needs water, nutrients or a boost of growth, it can pull back the lid and receive new water via roots. Once it grows enough, it lets go of the lid and stays in its own natural environment until another plant needs it.
This process is called calendaring and has been happening for centuries! Today, trichomes are an important part of creating beauty in flowers and shrubs.
Trichome composition
There are three main components found in cannabis plants that make up the trichome oil: cannabinoids, terpenes, and structural components such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
The cannabinoids found in plants are converted into small fragments called cannabiones during the flowering process. These cannabiones then appear as tiny crystals or macromolecules called terpene esters.
Trichomes are tiny crystalized structures that can range from ½ to 1 inch in diameter. They typically appear as a brownish-green mark on the leaves or stem. Trichomes have a distinctive smell and were once thought to be special parts that off to identify plants.
Trichomes can be dominant or sporadic (appearing throughout the growth cycle or not), dependent on location (elevATION), and/or seasonal (when they grow).
The role of terpenes
While there are over 100 terpenes found in cannabis, only a small amount affect the chemistry of cannabinoids and other compounds in plants. Terpenes are found in plant structures such as flowers, leaves, and stems.
The term is used to refer to the set of chemicals that vary between plants and which influence the taste, smell, and effects of their crops.
Terpenes are considered to be special because of their effect on cannabinoids and other compounds. They have been linked to a number of health benefits including anti-inflammatory properties and new potential treatments for diseases like cancer.
The role of cannabinoids
Trichomes are a unique feature of marijuana plants. They are waxy structures that stick to the plant’s branches and leaves, forming a protective cover that boosts the plants’as opposed to medical marijuana, which does not have this feature.
Trichomes were originally discovered as an indicator of cannabis quality. When a cannabis plant decides it wants to grow larger or more flowers, it produces cannabinoids called terpenes.
These trace elements of cannabis are called terpines because they contain three molecules together: terpine, penine, and pesine. These trace elements of hemp are called penines because they contain one single termine.
When a cannabis plant becomes stressed or grows larger leaves need to emerge faster so they produce terpines more quickly.
What are the effects of consuming trichomes?
While some describe the effects of cannabis trichomes as euphoric, others say they feel similar to hash oil, this is due to the effect of the THC in the trichomes.
Heavily applied or spread over a surface, such as a baggy or skin, the THC in the trichomes enters into your system through your skin. When it reaches your body, it moves through your tissues and into other parts of your body.
According to Dr. Mark Ware, medical director at The Eastern Nevada Medical Group, people who consume very large amounts of cannabis can suffer from consequences such as elevated blood pressure and/or anxiety. These effects can last for several hours or even days after they consume it.
How do you consume trichomes?
There are a variety of ways to consume cannabis. You can smoke it, vape it, eat it, or in some cases, apply oil to your skin.
All of these methods can produce different effects and side effects. vaping is the most popular way to consume it!
Vaping is the process of using an electronic device to consume drugs. It is currently legal to do so in California, but not in other states due to drug laws!
Electronic cigarettes are another way to v-apn. They are typically a look-and-feel device that you use for marijuana smoking. They require you to control burning, ash creation, and taste!
Diiieating is another way to get your THC into your body.
Does consumption of trichomes have any adverse effects?
While some people believe that viewing trichomes is an educational experience, others think it’s eye candy. There’s a difference between knowing what trichomes look like and being attracted to them.
Trichomes are cannabinoid crystals that can appear as either a cap or disc. The disc can be confused with a cannabis leaf or another plant type. They typically stick to the oil or fat of the plant, which makes them very hard to get out.
Trichomes vary in color and length based on the concentration of CBD or other cannabinoids in the plant. Some are reported to be over six inches in length! Cannabis cantrichomes are cannabinoid crystals that can appear eitheras acap or as disc. The disc can be confused with a cannabis leaf or another plant type. They typically stick to the oil or fat of the plant, which makes them very hard to get out.
